In an interview with Greenwich Time, Appelbaum said it was still early in the process, but she has been meeting with people to get their thoughts on the issues that are important to the school board and even attended Monday night's Board of Estimate and Taxation meeting, during which they discussed improving school security and the Greenwich High School auditorium project.

"My commitment to public education coupled with personal experience with the school system will be invaluable as education decisions are explored," Appelbaum wrote. "Both of my children attended the Greenwich Public Schools K-12 and I have served on multiple Greenwich Schools subcommittees and interacted with several of our past superintendents. Additionally, I have also advocated for numerous education budgets and worked closely with town departments on multiple issues."

"It has nothing to do with local politics and everything to do with whether it's right for me and my family at this time," said Rafferty, who writes a Sunday column for Greenwich Time. "If I do it, I want to make sure it's something I can do completely and fully and give it all the attention voters would demand. There are better candidates who would be able to do it."

Democratic Town Committee Chairman Frank Farricker said he was disappointed with Rafferty's decision.

"I wish he would have run," Farricker said. "He would have brought incredible depth to the job."

Farricker said there is no shortage of people interested in a run for the school board, however. Both parties make endorsements in July.